With more registered boats than any other state, it is easy to see why Florida is considered the boating capital of the US, if not the world.

Preparing for a short boating vacation this year, but don't have a destination in mind? Consider these locations that offer the best boating experiences.

Take a weekend adventure in your floating hotel - your boat. Most boats are suited for short-term stays and provide a relaxing getaway trip. You can use these weekends and short vacation periods to visit exciting spots to site-see, explore various arts & crafts and local festivals, fishing, and other activities to discover what Southern Florida has to offer.

Where Should I Go for a Weekend in Florida?

Miami & Fort Lauderdale

Miami is a lively city with plenty of great restaurants, museums, and thriving nightlife. Nicknamed the "Magic City," Miami attracts visitors looking for beautiful beaches, warm weather, and the best boating in Florida with numerous local marinas where shoreside adventures are easily accessible.

Many canals provide access to outdoor recreational sites like Bill Baggs State Park at Key Biscayne, Nixon Sandbar, or enjoy a sightseeing cruise from the comfort of your boat down the many canals in the area.

Fort Lauderdale has plenty of thrilling options for everyone, from thrill-seekers to families with young children, including water skiing, tubing, jet skis, and parasailing.

Dubbed the Venice of America due to 300+ miles of inland waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is also considered the world's yachting capital, with more than 40,000 yachts calling the area home. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is one of the world's largest gatherings of its type.

Warm and fast-moving Gulf Stream currents fill Miami/Fort Lauderdale area with world-class fishing, from fly to deep-sea sport fish like sailfish and marlin.

Where Should I Go for a 3-Day Vacation?

Marco Island and Naples Area

Nestled on the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island and the Naples region is packed with destinations to take your boat to appreciate nature and get away from the stress and excitement of city life. The area offers gourmet restaurants and high-end shopping while remaining an affordable boating holiday spot to dock overnight and sleep for those looking to adventure the region by boat.

South of Naples lays the uninhabited Keewaydin Island, offering tranquil shell hunting and peaceful walks along isolated dog-friendly beaches, with floating food boats waiting to take your meal orders offshore.

The Ten Thousand Islands are within the National Wildlife Refuge in the Great Cypress Basin and the Everglades, presenting remarkable photography opportunities with diverse native fauna. Kayaking through the area mangroves gives an immersive face-to-face interaction with the wildlife and the environment.

The Everglades National Park features southern-flowing rivers with a 99-mile boating route. These mangroves and shallow waters act as nurseries for various fish, excellent for the avid fishermen. These natural and boat wreck reefs also make for ideal year-round diving, ranging from 25-45 feet deep nearshore. Offshore fishing amongst artificial and natural reefs offers opportunities to battle with Goliath groupers and sharks for the fish on your line, making for a great adventure and wonderful fishing tale.

Taking a Mini-Vacation by Boat to the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys stretch over 125 miles from Biscayne National Park to Key West, offering year-round cruising, sightseeing, fishing, diving, and snorkeling.

Featuring world-renowned bests from the Sportfishing Capital of Islamorada, reef and shipwreck scuba diving in Key Largo, or the best sunset in the US in Key West, each island or the key has unique attractions.

If you're looking for a boating trip with a wild side, Key West also offers alligators at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, or you can opt for an adrenaline rush parasailing over the water just outside of Key West.

Grassy Key's Dolphin Research Centre and John Pennekamp's Coral Reef State Park offer you up-close access to the beautiful coral reefs and a chance to swim with dolphins.

Nautical Ventures - Your Next Trip Outfitters

If you want to answer the open water call, South Florida has among the best sites and adventures around.

Nautical Ventures is your South Florida resource for all of your boating products and expert support. Our experienced staff expertly guide and educate customers to ensure they are equipped with the most fun water sports products and know-how to use them.

Whether you need advice outfitting your boat with supplies for your next vacation in the Florida Keys, or you're looking for new water sports toys for family fun on the water, stop by Nautical Ventures!

Nautical Ventures… "The go-to people for fun on the water!"